dobbeltbenyttet

Dobbeltbenyttet is a Norwegian term that translates to "dual-use" or "double-use" in English. It refers to goods, software, and technology that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. The concept is particularly relevant in international trade and arms control, as items with dual-use potential can be diverted from legitimate civilian applications to be used in the development or production of weapons of mass destruction or conventional military equipment.

The dual-use nature of these items presents a challenge for governments and international bodies seeking to prevent the proliferation of dangerous technologies. Export control regimes are established to monitor and regulate the trade of such goods. These regimes typically require licenses for the export of items that could be used in military applications, even if their primary intended use is civilian.

Examples of dual-use items include certain chemicals that can be used in manufacturing fertilizers but also in chemical weapons, computers with advanced processing capabilities that can be used for scientific research or for designing weapons, and navigation systems that can aid in civilian transport or military targeting. The classification of an item as dual-use is determined by its potential applications rather than its inherent properties. International agreements and national legislation aim to strike a balance between facilitating legitimate trade and preventing misuse.